Nov 17, 2023 - Things to Do

The 8 best holiday light displays in Columbus this year

Alissa Widman Neese

Fireworks launch into the sky on both sides of a giant illuminated Christmas tree at Easton — Easton's Grand Illumination is one of the first holiday celebrations to usher in the season each year. Photo: Steve Brady/courtesy of Easton Town Center

Believe it or not, it's time for Columbus to transform into a winter wonderland once again.

Illuminating the news: To kick off the holiday season, we've compiled a list of eight must-see holiday light displays in Central Ohio.

🎟️ Pro tip: Experience Columbus is offering a Holiday Lights pass for a second year, which includes admission to two events — Conservatory Aglow and Wildlights — and coupons for select Easton stores and restaurants.

$36 for kids and $47 for adults.

The latest: New this year is "Season of Celebrations" at COSI, featuring a 40-foot tree and a twinkling forest of 50 smaller trees decorated by community groups.

What's happening:

🛍️ Holiday Happenings at Easton

Illuminate your holiday shopping with a nightly light show across a 56-foot tree. Enjoy a carriage ride ($10), admire model trains and take a photo with Santa.

Grand Illumination is 6-9pm Nov. 17. Free!

🎠 Columbus Commons

Take a walk in a picturesque park decorated for the season in the heart of downtown.

5-11pm daily, through Jan. 1. Free!
160 S. High St.
Pro tip: Starting Dec. 1, free hot chocolate and carousel rides on Fridays!

Guests stand in front of the frozen Conservation Lake covered in illuminated trees at the Columbus Zoo — Guests surround Conservation Lake to see the centerpiece show of Wildlights that's synced to music. Photo: Grahm S. Jones/courtesy of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

🦌 Wildlights

Visit Santa's reindeer and other cold-loving animals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

5-9pm Sunday-Thursday, 5-10pm Friday-Saturday. Through Jan. 7.
$26-30. ($17-20 for Franklin County residents.) Kids under 3 free!

A family walks through a tunnel of lights — A family strolls through a tunnel of lights. Photo: Courtesy of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Experience Columbus

🎄 Conservatory Aglow

Stroll through glistening outdoor gardens and then admire hundreds of poinsettias and other holiday blooms inside the spruced up Conservatory.

5-9pm daily, through Jan. 7.
Open till 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays in December.
$15.50-26. Kids under 3 free!

🤶 Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

A drive-thru tradition at the Alum Creek State Park Campground.

5:30-9pm Sunday-Thursday ($22 per car). 5:30-10pm Friday-Saturday ($33). Through Jan. 1.
3311 S. Old State Road, Delaware.
Pro tip: Mrs. Claus collects letters for Santa. Include an email address.